West Career and Technical Academy

The West Career and Technical Academy (WestCTA) opened in August of 2010 with approximately 675 9th and 10th grade students. Last year, the school added a third class of students bringing the student population to approximately 1000. At full capacity during the 2012-2013 schoolyear, WestCTA will have in excess of 1350 students in grades 9 through 12. The campus is located at the base of Red Rock National Conservation Area and is part of the master planned community of Summerlin. The energy efficient school, located at 11945 West Charleston Blvd., is partially powered by solar energy and has natural lighting throughout the campus. With a beautiful view, a nine-acre natural preserve area, and 42 acre campus, WestCTA is considered to be one of the most advanced high schools in the country. Four greenhouses at the school help to facilitate learning in the areas of climate change, biotechnology, horticulture, and botany.

A non-traditional school, WestCTA is classified as a “career and technical academy”. The school emphasizes science, technology, medicine, business, and digital media. The core curriculum at WestCTA is rigorous and designed to prepare students for the best colleges in the country. Advanced placement courses are offered in all core curriculum areas providing possible college credit while in high school. Additionally, WestCTA is known for its high expectations and excellent instructional staff.

Each of the school’s nine programs have advanced laboratory space, equipment, and technology allowing students to perform real world and relevant simulations, presentations, and experiments in a state-of-the-art facility. The nine programs at WestCTA include: Veterinary and Medical Sciences, Biotechnology, Nursing, Sports Medicine, Environmental Science & Natural Resources, Civil & Environmental Engineering, Business Management, Digital Media, and Information Technology. Each program area utilizes a hands-on approach to learning in order to make learning enjoyable and relevant.

As the only Google pilot school in the district, the Google-WestCTA partnership allows students to collaborate digitally construct electronic portfolios, and engage in the most dynamic and creative projects involving digital media, animation, and a host of other applications. Students bring a wide range of personal devices to school including laptops and tablets, all accessible through an exclusive student WIFI system. Additionally, there are over 700 computers and laptops available for student use.

Each of the nine programs of study have a series of required courses to be completed in grades 9th through 12th. Students utilize project, problem, and scenario-based learning to study topics in their program areas. This very creative process provides students the opportunity to use their personal talents and skills in a collaborative environment to solve real world problems.

An extensive array of community and business partnerships have allowed the school to bring in a variety of guest speakers, visit numerous scientific and worksite locations, and place students in internship, mentoring, and shadowing opportunities throughout the Las Vegas area. Several grants have provided needed funds, diverse projects, and activities to support programs of study.

While the school does not have NIAA sports teams, there are extensive intramurals, clubs, and activities for WestCTA students. School dances, assemblies, yearbooks, and other traditions will thrive at the school.

WCTA Biomedical Sciences

WCTA Mission Statement

Our mission at West Career and Technical Academy is to inspire our students to compete successfully in the 21st Century by providing a college preparatory education that utilizes project-based, real-world learning applications and innovative technology.